ANTIQUE – The University of Antique (UA) has placed Western Visayas on the global academic map after representing the Philippines at the prestigious British Council Going Global Conference 2025 held in London, United Kingdom.
UA President Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. led the university delegation composed of Dr. Jelyn O. Alentajan, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, and Mr. Nicasio A. Pimentel III, faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences. The team joined education leaders and experts from various countries in discussions centered on global partnerships, academic collaboration, and innovations in higher education.
The Philippine contingent also included high-ranking education officials such as Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Ricmar Aquino, CHED Region 6 director Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, University of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, UP Los Baños Vice Chancellor Dr. Agham Cuevas, AACCUP President Dr. Anthony Penaso, and British Council Philippines Country Director Lotus Postrado.
During their London visit, the UA representatives also paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. at the Philippine Embassy. Their meeting included discussions on ongoing British Council initiatives and possible future collaborations in international education.
As part of its international engagements, UA also forged academic partnerships with two leading British universities—Harper Adams University, the UK’s top institution in agriculture and forestry, and the University of Hertfordshire, recognized as the country’s premier teacher training university. These partnerships aim to pave the way for joint research, transnational education programs, and global classroom exchanges for UA faculty and students.
Dr. Crespo emphasized the significance of the university’s growing role in international academic cooperation. “We are committed to bringing the best global practices home to Antique and Western Visayas,” he said. “This marks a major step toward ensuring that our students and communities benefit from world-class education and innovation.”
The university noted that these achievements were made possible through the support of the British Council Philippines under Ms. Postrado’s leadership, which continues to foster strong collaboration between Philippine and international higher education institutions.
UA’s participation in the global conference stands as a milestone for the region, signaling Western Visayas’ readiness to contribute to shaping the future of global education. From Antique’s quiet campuses to London’s international forums, the university’s achievement underscores that excellence and innovation know no boundaries./PN
